Homogeneous mixing – a new album for Martinho da Vila

Martinho Da Vila is a living and kicking samba legend (or living and caressing in his case).

At the age of 84 he continues to perform, record and produce original and fine material.

His latest album bears the name "Mistura Homogena" (Homogeneous mixing) and is a testament to Martinho da Vila's ability to retain his place even after recording over 40 albums for over 60 years.

Faithful to his name, the album presents a multitude of musical styles yet still maintains a sense that there is one thread that connects all the songs.

The plurality of guests, some of them are famous (Zeco Pagodinho and Hamilton de Holanda) and some of them less well known, and the fact that the album was produced by four different music producers contributes to the sense of rich and cultural diversity.

Martinho hops between classic samba songs and samba rhythms from Angola, Africa, samba rap and soft samba-bossa.

There are tracks like Era de Aquarious along with the Brazialian rap singer Djonga, where Martinho gives the stage to young talent and current production. It sounds good and not hushed, but still the classic soft samba is the one that knows how to bring out the best in Da Vila.

Among the soft tracks I particularly liked were the Dois Amores duet with Paulina Chiziane and the subsequent track Cancao de Ninar.

In the rhythmic area Unidos Misturados stood out favorably - where Teressa Cristina is featured.

And the finishing track where Da Vila joins his eight grandchildren and the Vila Isabel school of Samba together to perform a medley of carnival songs.

It's a great album, and if you can believe what Martinho says, it's also his last full album. The following songs (hopefully coming) will already be released as singles and not part of an album.